Sailing with a dog into Peel (Isle of Man)

Leaving NI and arriving at Peel (IOM)

🐾 A Dramatic Welcome

Peel, on the west coast of the Isle of Man, is a golden gem of a harbour town, perfectly welcoming for both sailors and their salty sea dogs 🐶⚓

From the moment you enter Peel Marina, you're greeted by the dramatic silhouette of Peel Castle perched on St Patrick's Isle 🏰. Pete and I were enchanted. The approach is straight-forward, but watch the tide height for the swing bridge if you're heading into the inner marina. A quick call to the friendly harbour master lets him how that you are waiting, and he will instruct you in. Entry into the inner harbour is 2h+/- HW. There’s ample space on the outer harbour wall and several mooring buoys if you miss this window, though it can be a little exposed.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Walks

Peel is a walker’s dream, with plenty of open space and scenic paths for your four-legged companion:

• Fenella Beach & Castle Walk – Just beside Peel Castle, this small but picturesque beach welcomes dogs all year round (see image). There’s a short, circular walk around the castle grounds with panoramic sea views.

• Peel Hill (Corrin’s Folly) – A moderate climb up to Corrin’s Tower rewards you with sweeping views over the town and Irish Sea 🌊. Dogs can run free, but keep them under control, there are often sheep about. This was our morning training run (or walk in Jen's case)

• Heritage Trail – This former railway line starts at the harbour and heads inland towards St John's. Flat and shaded, it’s perfect for a longer, relaxed stroll through the countryside 🌳.

🍻 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés

Peel is a pub-lover's town, and luckily many of its finest establishments are happy to welcome dogs inside:

• The Creek Inn – Right by the harbour, this is probably the most dog-friendly spot in town. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and the staff often have biscuits at the ready 🦴. Great food, live music, and local ales 🍺.

• The Peveril – A traditional local pub just off the high street. Very friendly to dogs and their soggy owners.

• Peel Sailing Club - Located on the seafront, boasting panoramic views across the bay. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived. It is only open when the club are racing - normally Friday nights and occasionally at weekends.

🏖️ Beaches & Swimming

• Fenella Beach is the star - calm waters and golden sand make it ideal for a splash. Svea had a great paddle and made a few local doggy friends.

• Peel Promenade Beach – The longer stretch of beach on the main promenade has seasonal dog restrictions (May to Sept), but early mornings and evenings are usually dog-friendly and less crowded.

🏰 Attractions

Peel isn’t just about sea and sand:

• Peel Castle – Dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle grounds (unless you’ve got a service dog), but the exterior walk is beautiful.

• House of Manannan – Not dog-friendly inside, but a fascinating visit for our Swedish Viking, in search of his heritage. It contains Odin's Raven - a 2/3 scale replica of the Gokstad longboat, which was sailed from Trondheim to Peel, Isle of Man in 1979 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Tynwald (the oldest continued parliament in the world).

• Leece Museum - A small museum packed with nostalgia dedicated to Peel's role in the IOM TT. Svea was welcomed and Jen couldn't stop herself from jumping on a bike.

• Peel Breakwater – A gentle stroll with great views of the bay and a good spot to catch seals or dolphins at play 🐬.

🐶 Verdict from Svea

Peel is one of our favourite stops so far. It’s got everything we need as a dog-and-human crew: good walks, friendly locals, tasty treats, viking history, stunning views and a safe welcoming harbour. We decided to extend our stay we loved it so much! Svea gave Peel ten paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾.